Greek Studies Research Articles

Historical aspects of the use of goat’s milk as a food product for young children: a review

Goat milk (GM) has been a valuable food product for children and adults all over the world for thousands of years and has been used as an important element of healthy nutrition and healing. The article provides information confirming the importance of GM, which is described in the studies of ancient greek and roman scientists (Hippocrates, Galen), in traditional chinese and arabic medicine (the works of Li Shizheng and Avicenna). The works of domestic and foreign scientists also show the possibility of using GM not only as an alternative to breast milk, but also as a highly effective means for strengthening health. The functional composition of GM makes it possible to create mixtures as close as possible to breast milk, which can be used as a source of nutrition for children in the absence of breastfeeding.

Evaluating the interactions of Medical Doctors with chatbots based on large language models: Insights from a nationwide study in the Greek healthcare sector using ChatGPT

In this AI-focused era, researchers are delving into AI applications in healthcare, with ChatGPT being a primary focus. This Greek study involved 182 doctors from various regions, utilizing a custom web application connected to ChatGPT 4.0. Doctors from diverse departments and experience levels engaged with ChatGPT, which provided tailored responses. Over a month, data was collected using a form with a 1-to-5 rating scale. The results showed varying satisfaction levels across four criteria: clarity, response time, accuracy, and overall satisfaction. ChatGPT's response speed received high ratings (3.85/5.0), whereas clarity of information was moderately rated (3.43/5.0). A significant observation was the correlation between a doctor's experience and their satisfaction with ChatGPT. More experienced doctors (over 21 years) reported lower satisfaction (2.80–3.74/5.0) compared to their less experienced counterparts (3.43–4.20/5.0). At the medical field level, Internal Medicine showed higher satisfaction in evaluation criteria (ranging from 3.56 to 3.88), compared to other fields, while Psychiatry scored higher overall, with ratings from 3.63 to 5.00. The study also compared two departments: Urology and Internal Medicine, with the latter being more satisfied with the accuracy, and clarity of provided information, response time, and overall compared to Urology. These findings illuminate the specific needs of the health sector and highlight both the potential and areas for improvement in ChatGPT's provision of specialized medical information. Despite current limitations, ChatGPT, in its present version, offers a valuable resource to the medical community, signaling further advancements and potential integration into healthcare practices.

Surgical instruments for plastic surgery operations in Ancient Greek and Byzantine times

Background-Objective: Even though the term “plastic surgery” was first introduced in the 19th century, the study of ancient Greek and Byzantine medical manuscripts reveals a significant number of plastic surgery operations performed during these periods. The aim of this work is to present the surgical instruments that were used to conduct such operations.Material-Method: The original manuscripts of ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians, including Hippocrates, Galen, Oribasius, Aetius, Paul of Aegina and Alexander of Tralles, were studied and analysed. The references concerning plastic surgery instruments were marked and are presented.Results-Discussion: Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians performed several plastic surgery procedures, i.e. reconstructions of defects in the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, cheeks, and forehead, while surgical restoration of female breasts, hypospadias, elderly loose jawbone, penile tumours, syndactyly, and polydactyly was also described in detail. Several surgical instruments with various functions were used for these procedures, such as tools for tissue cutting (scalpels, chisels), for tissue grasping (forceps), tissue preparation, haemostasis (cauteries), as well as tissue suturing. Many of these tools had a wide range of uses, while others appear to have been specifically designed for plastic surgery procedures.Conclusion: Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians possessed a comprehensive set of surgical instruments that effectively supported a wide range of plastic surgery procedures.

Evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores for Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease in a Greek Case-Control Study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) stands as the most predominant type of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have become essential tools for quantifying genetic susceptibility, and researchers endeavor to improve their predictive precision. The aim of the present work is to assess the performance and the relative contribution of PRSs developed for CVD or CAD within a Greek population. The sample under study comprised 924 Greek individuals (390 cases with CAD and 534 controls) from the THISEAS study. Nine PRSs drawn from the PGS catalog were replicated and tested for CAD risk prediction. PRSs computations were performed in the R language, and snpStats was used to process genotypic data. Descriptive characteristics of the study were analyzed using the statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics v21.0. The effectiveness of each PRS was assessed using the PRS R2 metric provided by PRSice2. Among nine PRSs, PGS000747 greatly increased the predictive value of primary CAD risk factors by 21.6% (p-value = 2.63 × 10-25). PGS000012 was associated with a modest increase in CAD risk by 2.2% (p-value = 9.58 × 10-4). The remarkable risk discrimination capability of PGS000747 stands out as the most noteworthy outcome of our study.

Conspiring simplification strategies of [Obstruent+Liquid] clusters in a case study of child Greek: emergence of the marked

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the idiosyncratic cluster simplification patterns observed in a child with disordered phonological development, who is acquiring Greek. The child has mastered word-internal and word-final codas and clusters of reversed sonority. However, the child does not realise the target well-formed tautosyllabic [Obstruent+Liquid] clusters with rising sonority. The child’s system requires a single onset with maximum sonority dispersion between the onset and the syllable nucleus. As a result, cluster simplification occurs, via reduction to the less sonorous Obstruent – the most prevalent reduction pattern cross-linguistically. However, at the same time, the grammar requires faithful realisation of the target segment number. This requirement is fulfiled through two distinct conspiring metathesis patterns, distributed complementarily, resulting in the realisation of marked structures. The patterns depend on the position of the cluster within the target word. In word internal position, a compensatory metathesis of the Liquid takes place in the preceding syllable coda. In word initial position, the Manner of Articulation of the metathesised Liquid is delinked, while its Coronal Place of Articulation is faithfully preserved, and is realised by default as a Coronal Sibilant [s]. The latter Sibilant is attached as an appendix to the syllable node at the word left-edge. We argue that, in the grammar of this child, there is a-synchronisation between the development of the prosodic word layer and the development of syllable layer. Specifically, a-synchronisation is evident in the development of the (branching) onset syllabic subconstituent.

Charactonym Analysis on First Name Characters in Rowling’s Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone Novel

Charactonym is proper name that is used to name the characters in literary work Characteristics of literary characters in a story leads to their identity role and personality trait. Related to this case, this research is aimed to discover charactonym contribution to the character information based on the first name meaning regarding with the name function. This research uses descriptive qualitative method. The data used in this research are collected by document analysis method. This research applies the content analysis to analyze the data. The result of data analysis discovers 39 data analyzed in this research. The 17 names function as individualization, 10 names as identification, and 12 names as establishment. It can be concluded that J.K. Rowling‟s mastering of some languages, French, German, Classics with Greek and Roman studies influence her unique character‟s names. She considers the name for her characters to convey a message to the reader. J.K. Rowling tends to give the key of what her character is like and how her characters treat themselves and others. There are 56% names that reveal the character information, and 44% names are a label so far. The name function depends on what important role of each character has in the story.

The frequency of selective functional foods consumption is related to improved anthropometric obesity indices: A cross-sectional study in Greek and Cyprian adults

Background: Obesity remains a public health problem. Recent, novel strategies suggest thefrequent inclusion of functional foods for better management of adiposity markers and obesityprevention. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies demonstrate specific naturalfunctional foods of the Mediterranean Diet and innovative processed foods, enhanced withbioactive compounds, that they may present a possible beneficial role on this approach. Methods: In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, 319 Greeks and Cyprians, aged 18-75years were voluntary recruited in personal interviews. A validated Functional Food Frequency ofConsumption (FFFQ) was filled out, recording the frequency of selective functional foodsconsumption, following by anthropometric and body composition evaluations. Data collectionand statistical analysis were conducted, to assess the possible association of functional foodsfrequency of consumption with adiposity markers. Results: Olive oil is a main part of the daily diet of the representative sample of Greek andCyprian population and its frequency of intake was inversely related to body weight, taking intoaccount the lifestyle pattern and social parameters. Considering general habits andsociodemographic characteristics, Body Mass Index (BMI) was directly associated with thefrequency of consumption of split peas, turmeric, cinnamon, honey, whole wheat- and gluten-free pasta, as well as of gluten-free and enhanced bakeries. These functional food groups areconsumed by majority in a monthly basis, except of honey which is weekly consumed by themajority of the study population. Conclusion: The results suggest that the daily intake of olive oil, as the main characteristic ofMediterranean Diet, may be effective on body weight management. The frequency rise ofspecific spices, honey, functional pasta and bakeries consumption, may lead to increases inmarkers of adiposity. Further research is needed to safely conclude to these claims and theimplementation of nutritional treatment programs with functional foods may prove effective inthe prevention and management of obesity. Keywords: epidemiological study; functional foods; frequency of consumption; obesity;adiposity association; Greeks; Cyprians

I think learning ancient Greek via video game is…’: An online survey to understand perceptions of Digital Game-Based Learning for ancient Greek

Abstract Playing is connected at a deep level to how we learn, participate in and create culture, as it is dynamic, complex and even unpredictable just as learning is (Reinhardt, 2019). Even Plato in his Theaetetus recognises the importance of such a component in experiencing culture and knowledge. Could playing (or gaming) therefore be a useful didactical approach in promoting the study of ancient Greek around the world? From 10th May 2023 at 1 pm. until 1st June 2023 at 1 pm., an internet survey was conducted online by the researcher Irene Di Gioia through the use of Google Forms questionnaires. This questionnaire was distributed via different social networks and communication tools. The survey aimed to understand if people around the world are interested in the idea of learning ancient Greek via a video game and if so, which video gaming activities learners prefer. The goal of the survey was therefore to understand if a ludic pedagogical approach using Digital Game-Based Learning could theoretically represent an interest experience for learners or potential learners, and furthermore to investigate their feelings, prejudices, and motivations regarding the study of ancient Greek. From the analysed data the researcher will therefore develop a video game to teach ancient Greek language and culture, which comprises the focus of her ongoing PhD dissertation at Georg-August University of Göttingen (Germany) and Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna (Italy).

The agronomist to trust as my advisor: a Greek case study

ABSTRACT Purpose Given the absence of (structured) advisory services in Greece and the CAP requirements, we aim at exploring which would be the characteristics of agronomists whom farmers might trust as advisors. Design/Methodology/Approach The field research addressed professional farmers who are in contact with agronomist(s)-as-advisors. Based on an aide memoire, 51 farmers were interviewed following a snowball technique in each of the 5 municipalities of Ioannina Prefecture, North-Western Greece, which comprised our research area. Findings The antecedents of trust (ability, benevolence and integrity) were systematically addressed and analysed thus leading to the identifications of the characteristics of an agronomist-as-advisor that shape the farmer’s determination to trust him/her. Additionally, mediators related to the antecedents were identified. Practical Implications This piece of work allows for a better understanding of the degree farmers trust various actors-as-advisors and thus of their role(s) in farmers’ micro-AKIS. Theoretical Implications This piece of work is a contribution towards as well as an effort to trigger a more systematic and nuanced approach on the topic of trust in advisory relationships through farmer-centric research. Originality/Value Τhe paper points to the characteristic of actors, notably agronomists, with whom farmers would prefer to build advisory relationships.

Texts, Bodies, Images, Movement

Abstract The international symposium Imprints of Ancient Greek and Roman Dance: Texts, Bodies, Images, Movement took place in Madrid in September 2022. As the final component of a research project funded by the Spanish Society of Classical Studies and the BBVA Foundation, this event aimed to scrutinize a series of concepts that have proven significant to the transhistorical and transcultural study of dance. The eight scholars tasked with examining these concepts presented interesting case studies of ancient Greek and Roman dancing between the Archaic period and late Antiquity, drawing upon a variety of media and sources.

Sign-inferences in Greek and Buddhist Logic

The Yogācāra school of logic developed a theory of sign-inferences that has many features of the Stoic and Epicurean logical teachings with small inclusions of Aristotelian ideas. In the Nyāyabindu of Dharmakīrti, we can find the following schemes of formal reasoning: modus Barbara (Figure I) and modus Camenes (Figure IV) of the Aristotelian syllogistic, and all the inference rules of the Stoic logic: modus ponens, modus tollens, modus ponendo tollens, modus tollendo ponens I, modus tollendo ponens II. The three premises of Yogācāra inference (if p, then q; there is an example that p and q occur together; p; then q) corresponds to the Epicurean doctrine of three premises with a necessary exemplification. Thus, the paper is a comparative study of Greek and Buddhist theory of sign-inferences, showing a deep similarity between them.

Educating a Society of Perceivers: Practical Wisdom and Perception in Nicomachean Ethics and Deuteronomy*

ABSTRACT A renewed interest in reading the Hebrew Bible as a work of philosophy has reasserted the value of pursuing comparative studies of Greek and Hebrew literature within their common intellectual environment in the Eastern Mediterranean. This study will contribute to a retrieval of Hebraic philosophy in its ancient context through a comparison of Aristotelian practical wisdom and perception as seen in Nicomachean Ethics with commensurate conceptions of wisdom and perception in Deuteronomy. This comparison will advance an appreciation of Deuteronomy as a work of philosophy in its own right, which is distinct yet comparable to Nicomachean Ethics in educating what Martha Nussbaum calls a “society of perceivers” who are skilled at making wise and discerning decisions to attain the Deuteronomic vision of the good.

Only in Good Company: On Generosity and Pedagogy in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies

Only in Good Company: On Generosity and Pedagogy in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies

A Greek Multicentre Study Assessing the Outcome of Late Rupture After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Late rupture after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an increasing complication associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to analyse the causes and outcomes in patients with AAA rupture after EVAR. A multi-institutional Greek study of late ruptures after EVAR between 2008 - 2022 was performed. Primary outcomes were intra-operative and in hospital death. A total of 70 patients presented with late rupture after EVAR (proportion of ruptured EVARs among all EVARs, 0.6%; 69 males; mean age 77.2 ± 6.7 years). The mean time interval between EVAR and late rupture was 72.3 months (range 6 - 180 months). In all cases the cause of rupture was the presence of an endoleak (type I, 73%) with sac enlargement. Moreover, 34% of subjects with rupture after EVAR had been lost to follow up and 32% underwent a secondary intervention. Additionally, 57 patients (81%) were treated by conversion to open surgical repair (COSR) and the remainder by endovascular correction of endoleak (ECE). Eleven intra-operative deaths (16%) were recorded. The overall in hospital mortality rate was 41% (23% ECE vs. 46% COSR; p= .21). Of the patients who presented as initially haemodynamically stable, 23% died during hospitalisation, while the respective mortality rate for patients who presented as unstable was 78% (odds ratio [OR] 11.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6 - 39.1; p < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that severity of haemodynamic shock was the most significant risk factor for intra-operative (OR 7.15, 95% CI 1.58 - 32.40; p= .010) and in hospital death (OR 9.53, 95% CI 2.79 - 32.58; p < .001). These data underline the devastating prognosis of late rupture after EVAR. Haemodynamic status at presentation was an important predictive factor for death both in the ECE and COSR groups. Rigorous follow up and prompt evaluation of an unstable patient in case of rupture after EVAR is recommended.

Assessing the potential of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for contributing to conservation targets: A global scoping review protocol

This scoping review (ScR) protocol aims to establish the methodological approach for identifying and mapping the evidence regarding the actual contribution of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to spatial conservation targets. Emphasis will be placed on examining the research conducted, including the methodologies applied. OECMs, introduced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010, refer to areas outside of protected areas, such as fisheries restricted areas, archaeological sites, and military areas, that effectively conserve biodiversity in-situ over the long term. OECMs are recognized rather than designated. Many countries currently endeavor to identify, recognize and report OECMs to the CBD for formal acceptance to support the implementation of spatial conservation targets. Studies that assess the contribution of OECMs to spatial conservation targets will be considered. Potential OECMs with primary, secondary or ancillary conservation objectives established by all sectors in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine realm worldwide will be considered. Peer-reviewed and grey literature will be considered without imposing limitations based on publication year, stage, subject area and source type. Both experimental and observational studies in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Spanish will be reviewed. The ScR will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The protocol will be guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. The search will encompass bibliographic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Grey literature sources will include databases, pre-print archives and organizational websites. The Covidence platform will be utilized for data management and extraction.

Investigating the relationship between KM implementation capability and TQM: a Greek public sector case study

This study aims to create a conceptual model of Knowledge Management Implementation Capability (KMIC) (including KM-tools at each K-process) and TQM in the Greek public sector and investigate the relationship between them. The case study methodology is used by employing mixed research methods. Specifically, the conceptual model was constructed by using 15 public sector employees semi-structured interviews. Moreover, based on 420 responses of an online structured questionnaire the model’s validity and reliability are assessed by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and hypotheses testing through the PLS structural equation model (SEM). From the data analysis, we found that the construct KMIC includes technological and non-technological KM tools at the ‘K-creation’, and the ‘K-dissemination and application’ process, and TQM principles include ‘citizen satisfaction and strategic planning’, and ‘HR focus and leadership commitment’. In addition, there is a positive interaction between KMIC and TQM. In summary, it is the first time that KM tools are being studied in KMIC, as well as the relationship between KMIC and TQM in the public sector.

Leachate management in medium- and small-sized sanitary landfills: a Greek case study

The sustainable management of landfill leachates remains a matter of important concern in many countries. We used as case study a medium-sized Greek landfill, and we initially investigated the performance of the existing secondary leachate treatment system. The activated sludge process removed chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), NH4-N, and PO4-P by 55%, 84%, 94%, and 14%, respectively, but the effluents did not meet the legislation requirements for discharge or reuse. Afterwards, different management options of these effluents (co-treatment with sewage in the centralized treatment plant, onsite tertiary treatment with reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon (GAC), ozonation, photo-Fenton, or constructed wetlands) were evaluated regarding their operational costs and environmental footprint. The use of constructed wetlands presented the lower operational cost, energy requirements, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, not exceeding 21.5 kg CO2eq/day. On the other hand, the power consumption and the GHG emissions of the other on-site technologies ranged from 0.37 kWh/m3 and 5.56 kg CO2eq/day (use of GAC) to 39.19 kWh/m3 and 588.6 kg CO2eq/day (use of ozonation), respectively. The co-treatment of the leachates with municipal wastewater required 0.6 kWh/m3 and emitted 30.18 kg CO2eq/day. For achieving zero-discharge of the treated leachates, a system consisting of constructed wetlands and evaporation ponds in series was designed.

A Posteriori Dietary Patterns and Coronary Artery Disease in a Greek Case-Control Study.

Diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular health (CH). Research identifying dietary patterns (DPs) through data-driven analysis and reporting associations between DPs and coronary artery disease (CAD) outcomes is rather limited. The aim of the present report was to generate DPs through factor analysis (FA) and to examine their association with CAD risk. Participants (n = 1017) consisted of cases diagnosed with CAD (n = 356) and controls (n = 661) drawn from the THISEAS study. Demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle data were collected. Dietary components were generated through FA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate CAD relative risks. FA generated seven dietary components, explaining 53.5% of the total variation in intake. The Western-type DP showed a modest significant association with CAD risk, after controlling for confounders (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.09-1.32, p < 0.001). The vegetarian-type DP was not significantly associated with the likelihood of CAD (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.84-1.04, p = 0.259). The Western-type DP was positively associated with CAD risk and the odds were further increased after controlling for confounders. This finding is in concordance with previously reported positive associations between Western patterns and CAD risk. Limited data exist regarding a posteriori DPs and their effect on CAD risk.

Exploring the Impact of Supermarket Store Layout and Atmospheric Elements on Consumer Behavior: A Field Research Study in Greece

The highly competitive retail industry pushes retailers to seek strategies like creating atmospheric in-store experiences to boost consumer satisfaction and encourage return visits. Store atmosphere and layout design influence consumer decision-making, perception, and satisfaction. Factors such as building design, customer patterns, merchandise mix, and proximity requirements impact consumer perception and store layout. This article investigates the effect of supermarket chains’ layouts on consumer behavior, focusing on atmospheric elements. A Greek field study involving 205 participants assessed perceptions and attitudes toward supermarket layouts and design elements. Results suggest that retail environment characteristics impact emotional reactions, which in turn influence impulse buying behavior. Emphasizing the importance of a superior customer experience throughout the purchasing process, the study identifies key atmospheric elements affecting consumer behavior in supermarkets. The article concludes by discussing implications for retail marketers and suggesting future research directions.

Ethics and Morality.

Ethics and morality are a branch of philosophy dealing with moral principles. Morals conceptualise the tenets of human character or behaviour as good or bad, right or wrong. However, morals are an individual and subjective concept which vary across individuals, cultures and time. Intentions, decisions and actions which may be considered moral by one individual or society may be considered amoral by another. The need for an organised system of guidelines, which can be universally applicable to all members of a society and against which all moral or immoral actions can be judged is the driving factor behind foundation of ethics. A study of ancient Mesopotamian, Greek and Indian cultures over the millennia give a unique insight into ethics as a structural foundation of civilised society. The historical aspect of ethics and ethical systems helps guide present and future generations towards a harmonious and secure society across regional, organizational and global stages. A study of moral philosophy endeavours to classify ethical systems based on various schools of thought which act as the guiding principle on which an ethical system is structured. The major branches of ethical philosophy include descriptive ethics which studies the prevalent ethical and moral standards, normative ethics which evaluates the prevalent moral norms and their interpretation and application, meta-ethics which reevaluates the prevalent ethical systems and applied ethics dealing with ethical considerations specific to a particular field. In this chapter, the authors have attempted to outline the importance of a structured ethical system in various walks of life, including personal, professional and social. A sound ethical system clearly outlines moral versus amoral behaviour, provides an objective means for judging the morality of decisions and actions, provides aids to teaching moral behaviour to new members of a society, defines behaviour of individuals professionally and personally, guides individuals in making decisions over issues of moral conflict or ambiguity and helps maintain structure and order in society so as to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. The authors also discuss the essential role played by ethics in the life and practice of the modern-day Clinical Orthopaedician.